SUNDAY PSALMS PART 17 OF 48 - PSALM 84

Joy of All Who Sorrow Orthodox Christian Church, Indianapolis

1   How lovely is Your tabernacle, O Lord of hosts!
2  My soul longs, yes, even faints
    For the courts of the Lord;
    My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.
3  Even the sparrow has found a home,
    And the swallow a nest for herself,
    Where she may lay her young--
    Even Your altars, O Lord of hosts,
    My King and my God.
4  Blessed are those who dwell in Your house;
    They will still be praising You.
                                             Selah

5  Blessed is the man whose strength is in You,
    Whose heart is set on pilgrimage.
6  As they pass through the Valley of Baca,
    They make it a spring;
    The rain also covers it with pools.
7  They go from strength to strength;
    Each one appears before God in Zion.
8  O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer;
    Give ear, O God of Jacob!
                                            Selah

9   O God, behold our shield,
    And look upon the face of Your anointed.
10 For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand.
    I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
    Than dwell in the tents of wickedness.
11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield;
    The Lord will give grace and glory;
    No good thing will He withhold
    From those who walk uprightly.
12 O Lord of hosts,
    Blessed is the man who trusts in You!
                                        Psalm 84:1-12, New King James Version

At some point in this series, you'll be expecting me to say, "This is my favorite Psalm." Well, we're at that point.

Why is this my favorite Psalm? While there are several reasons, the verse that stands out to me is "Blessed is the man whose strength is in the Lord, who has set his heart for pilgrimage." That section touches my heart.

One of my favorite series is the Monastery Murders by Donna Fletcher Crow. Of course, when my favorite fictional character (Father Antony) is part of the story, of course I enjoy the series. But it seems like more often than not the main characters are on a pilgrimage of one sort or another. In the third story, An Unholy Communion, a major part of the plot is that Father Antony and Felicity are taking a group of teens on a pilgrimage.

Of course, we need to remember that our home is in the House of the Lord, not in the tents of this world.

 

BOOK REVIEW - TEXAS COLD CASE THREAT (QUANTICO PROFILERS, BOOK 1) BY JESSICA PATCH

After learning her profile sent an innocent man to prison several years earlier, should Chelsey Banks trust her abilities as a behavioral analyst for the FBI? Is the killer she caught choking a housekeeper the same person who is writing her taunting notes? Can she help her long-time friend Tack Holliday stop the villain dubbed "The Outlaw" before he or another serial killer adds her to his body-count?

Jessica Patch has written another excellent romantic suspense novel in "Texas Cold Case Threat," the first of her Quantico Profilers series.  As typical for her, she has great character studies with a mystery to solve and nail-biting plot twists along the way.

I highly recommend this psychological thriller.

WHAT IS REVIVAL? WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE? WHY IS IT NEEDED? AND ARE WE WILLING TO PAY THE COST?

Fort Wayne's Children Zoo, Fort Wayne, IN

 My introduction to the topic of Revival was when I saw a half dozen Chick Tracts. Most of them, of course, were evangelistic, but one of them was his tract "Why No Revival?" I was in 6th grade that time, and I didn't catch his points well until a few years later.

Little did I know as I thumbed through that pamphlet at home in Prescott, Arizona, there was revival taking place on the other side of the country. 

Fast forward half a century. Another revival is taking place at the same university it happened in the '70's. I learned about it as I was watching half a dozen Christian musicians from the Jesus Music era at the time of the first revival. These musicians (John Fischer, Randy Stonehill, Glenn Kaiser, Paul Clark, Barry McGuire, and Swedish singer Ingemar Olsson) are talking about needing a song to start revival among Millennials.

But what does Revival look like? What are we looking for? 

One problem with the church as a whole (and it may have been a problem since Pentecost) is  that we focus on experience. We want the positive feelings. Could it be that we feel entitled to God's blessing on us? Likewise, is this desire for revival absent from a need for the Church to genuinely repent (both individually and corporately)? 

One of my favorite musicians, who's also a pastor, has some questions on the current revival. Namely, is it based on Scripture? Is it encouraging assembling together with the Church?

Another question I have is how lasting is it? Is Revival a peak that we descend from eventually and return to status quo? I remember reading No Compromise, the biography of Keith Green, where it mentioned a revival that lasted only for hours before being quenched. Is that real revival?

I would love to hear what you all think revival looks like, and if you want to comment before reading on so I don't influence your answer, go ahead and comment! 

Thank you to all who have commented. Here's my thoughts on what real revival will look like.

1. It will come from prayer and solid Bible teaching. Not only are these two elements a starting point, but true Revival will create a desire for yet more prayer and Bible Study.
2. It will transform a life. Yes, there may be a let down, but I believe genuine revival would result in changes that last in a person's life.
3. It will be a community event. I heard one speaker say renewal involves the individual while revival involves the corporate church. The hunger for prayer and Bible Study and the staying power I mentioned above will be strengthened by the encouragement of one another, as Hebrews 3:12-13 and 10:24-25 encourages.
4. It will not only be active in the church's four walls, but it will also spread out. There will be a desire to evangelize. There may even be a desire to go to the Mission field. 

Are we willing to make changes for revival to take place in the church and for renewal to happen in our own hearts? There will be costs. We'll definitely have to give up our sins and probably some activities that are not sin but are keeping us from serving God whole heartedly. We may also face opposition from the world, from our family and friends, and maybe even the church.

 

 

SUNDAY PSALMS PART 16 OF 48 - PSALM 65:4

Friendship Baptist Church, Indianapolis. Church marquee reads, "The church is a hospital for sinners, not a social club for the saints."

Blessed is the man You choose
And cause to approach You,
    That he may dwell in Your courts.
We shall be satisfied with the goodness of Your House,
    Of Your holy temple.
                    Psalm 65:4, New King James Version.

Are you aware that God chose us? And isn't that wonderful? One of my favorite contemporary songs is Toni LaShaun's "You Chose Me." And don't forget that Jesus told His disciples, "You did not choose Me, but I chose you." (John 15:16a)

Of course, that opens a can of worms. Are we saved because we believed in Christ, or are we saved because God predestined us before time began? The Scripture says we're predestined, but is it election to salvation or is it election based on His foreknowledge to service? (The choosing in John 15:16 sounds like its being chosen for a specific task.) 

Important point: There. Are. True. Believers. On. Both. Sides. Of. The. Debate. Got that? It's a family squabble; neither Calvinism nor Arminianism are false teachings. I stated the Bible teaches we're predestined; there's portions that say we have choices to make. Both are true.

However, let's get off this rabbit trail and return to the voice. We should consider it a blessing God chose us. We should be thankful that God gives us the ability to approach Him and dwell with Him; that ability is not of the flesh. (Romans 7:18 applies to that.)

Psalm 65:4 talks about the man God chooses, but if you read the full verse, you'll see God has a houseful. The final part is in the plural. To paraphrase that comment, we're not just chosen to be in fellowship with God, but also chosen to be in fellowship with his other saints, that is, the Church (both local and universal).

This relates to the quote that's on the marquee of the church pictured above. "The church is a hospital for sinners, not a social club for the saints." How many of you, if you have a heart attack, will walk over to the hospital and fill out your registration and then walk down the hall with the nurse to your room? No, you need someone to call 911 for the ambulance and let others take care of you, without you doing anything. That's what salvation and the church are. It's where God takes you so He can provide the care you need. 

Again, isn't it great God chose us?

  

 

 

BOOK REVIEW - WILDERNESS HIDEOUT (BOULDER CREEK RANCH, BOOK 1) BY HOPE WHITE

 

Why couldn't Dr. Briana Wilkes remember how she ended up by a Montana river with men chasing her? Should she trust Jacob Rush to get her to safety or to keep her safe at his ranch? 

I found Wilderness Hideout, the first story of the Boulder Creek Ranch by Hope White, to be as exciting as a white water ride. She has a great element of mystery as well as the excitement typical of Love Inspired Suspense stories.

 I recommend this book, and look forward to the next novel in the series.

 

INTERVIEW WITH ELINE EVERDINA OF THE BAND BATTLED

 

Battle, L-R: Martijn Louwen (drums), Jaron Biesheuvel (bass), Eline Everdina (leadvocals), Jos Louwen (guitarist), Manuel Verburg (guitarist)

 One interesting thing about the internet is that I can learn about Christian bands around the world. Last year, I had the honor of interviewing a pair of Swedish bands (Dark Valentine and Soundless Whisper). Today, I'll be interviewing a band from ... no, I'll let the lead singer of Battle tell you.

JR: Welcome to the blog. When and how did the band get started, and who all is in it?

EE: Hey there! Thanks for reaching out to us! We are an alternative rock band from Ede in the Netherlands. It all started when Jos Louwen (guitarist) and I had a strong vision to start a new chapter in our lives at the beginning of the pandemic in 2020. During one of those awfully boring lockdown nights, we started jamming to some of our favorite songs on an old acoustic guitar. This became a habit and in the following days we both had this idea to start a band. 

During this period we wrote our first song called “From the Silence” which is the title of our first EP. We quickly assembled local musicians and started writing more songs to record. In February 2022 we released our first EP. Along the way we started working with musicians who make up our current formation: Martijn Louwen on drums, Manuel Verburg on guitar and Jaron Biesheuvel on bass.

JR: This might sound like a strange question, but if "Battled" had a mission statement, what would it be? In other words, is there a theme or target audience or something like that which is a driving force on your lyric writing? 

EE: Our mission statement would be: bring light and remain hopeful. We have all experienced that life can be messy: through life-events it can leave you hopeless or wondering. For me writing has always been a healing process and a way to grasp a feeling I’ve been trying to find words for.  

We try to write our own story. We are a rock band with all- Christian members, meaning we don’t particularly write spiritual lyrics and preach on stages. Let’s be clear, there is nothing wrong with that; there are absolute awesome bands doing that nowadays, but it’s just not our way. Still, we try to share a positive, hopeful message in our music and our appearance.

So our audience is hard to define: We guess somewhere between fans of heavy rock, pop-punk, metal and non-)believers.  

JR: I'd like to ask you to tell us about my two favorite songs by you: "From The Silence" and "Hold On."

EE: Thank you! The song "From the Silence" is about the silence you experience between you and God; you long for a breakthrough in the quiet. From the Silence is the first song we wrote for our EP which makes it very special to us. It’s the start of a new beginning.

"Hold On" is a song of encouragement. Our lyrics are heavily inspired by the miserable exploitation/forced prostitution of women and how hopeless they must feel during their experiences. It’s a song of hope for those who need it. 

JR: What would be the highlights of Battled's ministry? Any memorable concerts or practices or studio sessions? 

EE: Finding bandmates who love investing their time, energy and musical ability has really elevated our band to a new level! That’s also my personal highlight; going from just the two of us to a band with everyone bringing their input is inspiring and has evolved our sound. 

JR: The band's name reminds me of the Spiritual Warfare we're in. What areas of that warfare does the band face, and where does it get encouragement and strength to keep battling on?

EE: I feel like society tells us lies about what we are and what should be important. I feel like we get SO easily distracted by social media, our phones, our news resources. It’s hard enough to just be a individual in our society these days, let alone be a follower of Christ.  

We get encouraged and strengthened by trying to stay pure about who we are. We try to envision our path as a band by trying to stay pure, humble and try to focus on His Word.  

JR: Thank you for your time. Anything interesting coming over the horizon? (Hoping you'll end up in the Indianapolis area this summer.) How can we keep up with you? Do you have a web-pate to follow? 

EE: No problem, thank you for reaching out to us! Yes, we are currently working on new music! We hope to release this spring/summer. You can keep up with us via our socials (for Facebook page, click here)! It’s our dream to one day visit the United States and play our music for our fans overseas! 😊  

 

SUNDAY PSALMS PART 15 OF 48 - PSALM 62

 

Southeastway Park, Indianapolis, IN

1     Truly my soul silently waits for God;
      From Him comes my salvation.
2   He only is my rock and my salvation;
     He is my defense; I shall not be greatly moved.
3  How long will you attack a man?
     You shall be slain, all of you,
     Like a leaning wall and a tottering fence.
4  They only consult to cast him down from his high position;
     They delight in lies;
     They bless with their mouth,
     But they curse inwardly.
                                            Selah

5   My soul, wait silently for God alone,
     For my expectation is from Him.
6  He only is my rock and my salvation;
     He is my defense; I shall not be moved.
7   In God is my salvation and my glory;
     The rock of my strength,
     And my refuge, is in God.
8   Trust in Him at all times, you people;
     Pour out your heart before Him;
     God is a refuge for us.
                                              Selah

9  Surely men of low degree are a vapor,
    Men of high degree are a lie;
    If they are weighed on the scales,
    They are altogether lighter than vapor.
10 Do not trust in oppression,
     Nor vainly hope in robbery;
     If riches increase,
     Do not set your heart on them.
11   God has spoken once,
     Twice I have heard this:
     That power belongs to God.
12  Also to You, O Lord, belongs mercy;
     For You render to each one according to his work.
                                    Psalm 62:1-12, New King James Version

 

Some people think that politics and faith should be kept separate. Of course, we're aware of those who think anything dealing with religion (especially Christianity) has no place in politics, and probably not in the public square. There are Christians as well that basically see themselves as being in the Kingdom of God and politics being the Kingdom of the Devil and don't want to defile themselves with the latter.

However, besides seeing the obvious focus on trusting in God as our Rock, our Defense, our Salvation, and the Righteous and Merciful Judge who will give to each according to their work, I also see things that make me think of American politics.

For example, look at verses 3-4. What comes to mind when I read this? The impeachments of Clinton and Trump. In both cases, the opposition party were on the lookout for any reason to try to remove the President.

I also think of politics when I get to verse 10. Sometimes, the government itself is oppressive. Other times, people tolerate the oppression of those they disagree with. And robbery? While the Libertarian thought of "Taxation Is Theft" might be exaggerated, it's not off-base, and some favor the rich - meaning those who are better-off than they are - to pay "their fair share." But let's not forget the last part of the verse. There are people who trust in their riches.  

The reality is we should put our trust and hope in God. We should not trust in ourselves or in Government or anything else.